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Applying to Graduate Programs
Related to Psychology...
Here are some tips and suggestions for time-frame on applying to graduate programs. There
will be some variation depending on the type of program to which you are applying.  When to start thinking about grad school?
- As soon as you think you might be interested!
- Start asking questions of your faculty and also alumni who may have gone to grad school.
- Consider doing an independent study project, practicum, psychology-related internship or
summer job.
When to take GRE’s?
- It would be best to begin practicing in the spring of your Junior year.
- Buy practice tests.
- If you need to take the Subject Test for Psychology, get copies of standardized multiple
choice tests (test banks) and an Intro Psych text for review.
- It is best to take the test over the summer before your Senior year.
- You should definitely take the test in October of your Senior year if you could not take
it over the summer.
- You may need to retake the exam in November.
- Remember that both test results will show up when you have them sent to the
schools.
When to apply?
- Begin investigating programs in the spring of Junior year/summer before Senior
year (if not earlier!).
- Investigate the type of program, faculty interests, requirements, etc.
- Much of this information is available now online; however, the APA Graduate Manual includes specific information about
requirements as well (see the Psychology Division Office or CDC Office to review a copy).
- Gather application materials in August before your Senior year (usually the new
materials come out at that time).
- Begin working on your personal statement, gathering transcripts, contact professors for
recommendation letters in September.
- Send applications in October – December.
What to include in your application?
- Include a cover letter with your application: what program you are applying to, when you
plan to enter the program, the contents of your application.
- Include a personal statement - it should include mostly academic points (not personal
things about you – they know you probably work hard otherwise you wouldn’t be
applying): What have you done that makes you
attractive to their program? What research interests do you have (maybe identify
faculty/research you are interested in)? What are your career goals? (In other words, try
to be as concrete as possible.)
- If you have any poor grades in psychology, take this opportunity to explain it and how
you have improved you skills since that time.
- Make sure to note any research presentations you have given or papers on which your name
appears.
- Highlight any experiences or successes that have shaped your career goals, but
don’t make something up!! (again, more academic in nature.)
- In the application materials, check the box indicating that you DECLINED to see your
recommendations letters.
- Ask for your recommendation letters to be sent directly to the schools.
What to do once the applications are out?
- Call the secretary of the program to make sure that your application materials were
received in January before the deadline.
- Sit back, relax, and wait.
- Some programs may not inform you until April.
- Call the first week of April to inquire about the status of your application if you have
not heard anything.
- Make a decision and notify the programs by April 15.
Other things to think about…
- Research is important (if you are considering a Ph.D).
- Independent study is important.
- Apply early – shows initiative and they may take a better look at you.
- Ask professors very far in advance for recommendations.
- Automatically give professors a copy of your transcript, activities while at Alfred
(mostly of an academic nature), and statement of intentions for grad school.
- Also provide addressed and stamped envelopes for these recommendations (they will be
sent faster!).
- Have at least one of your professors review your personal statement before
sending it off.
- Include a list of relevant activities with your application materials (e.g., independent
study, research, practicum, jobs, volunteer work – all relevant to psychology).
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Psychology Division